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Trump nominates Panthers owner Viola for Secretary of Army (Updated)

2015 NHL Draft - Round One

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Vincent Viola of the Florida Panthers attends the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Florida Panthers owner Vinnie Viola, a West Point graduate, has been nominated by president-elect Donald Trump to serve as the Secretary of the Army, the club announced on Monday.

“Whether it is his distinguished military service or highly impressive track record in the world of business, Vinnie has proved throughout his life that he knows how to be a leader and deliver major results in the face of any challenge,” Trump said in a statement, per the Miami Herald. “He is a man of outstanding work ethic, integrity, and strategic vision, with an exceptional ability to motivate others.

“The American people, whether civilian or military, should have great confidence that Vinnie Viola has what it takes to keep America safe and oversee issues of concern to our troops in the Army.”

Viola, who purchased the Panthers in 2013, is well known for his ties to the Army. He founded the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point following the 9/11 attacks, and has hired fellow West Point graduates for several positions within the Panthers organization -- including president and CEO Matthew Caldwell.

Ownership of the franchise will remain within the Viola family, per the Herald. The club announced that, pending confirmation of Viola’s nomination, current vice chairman Doug Cifu would become chairman and governor of Sunrise Sports and Entertainment.

Update: The NHL has released the following...

“We proudly congratulate Vincent Viola on his nomination to this important position – which, pending Senate approval, obviously will require his full-time attention.

“The Club has assured us that the day-to-day operations of the Panthers’ franchise will not be affected by this development, and we will certainly work closely with the Club to ensure that is the case.

“Mr. Viola and team ownership have further advised that they remain completely committed to South Florida and to the Panthers’ fans.”